The preparation for the iconic Ashes series is in full swing as the visiting English team is battling it out in the warm-up matches. While the players strive to gain some form and work on the mistakes, it seems that the hosts Australians also need to correct some mistakes in the logistics.
A major blunder happened on the scoreboard during the warm-up fixture between England and CA XI in Townsville. Surprisingly, the English batting line-up listed the name of the former wicketkeeper Matt Prior instead of the current wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.
Sensational recall for Matt Prior. In a twist he appears to have grown hair – red hair – and look like Jonny Bairstow pic.twitter.com/Q0t3j4uZzX
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) November 15, 2017
Prior was a part of the England side in the 2010/11 season when the Three Lions had defeated Australia 2-1 in their own backyard to regain the Ashes. He was surprised to see his name on the board and wrote on Twitter, “I knew I was meant to be doing something today! what I’d give to be out there with those boys now.”
I knew I was meant to be doing something today! 🤔 what I’d give to be out there with those boys now 🏏 https://t.co/mFqXjyFh5G
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) November 15, 2017
On the topic of wicketkeeping, Bairstow had a huge injury scare on the field during the first day of the warm-up match. He had to leave the ground after injuring his finger while keeping to the pacer Chris Woakes. The good news though for the visitors is that the injury is not too serious and he is expected to be fit for the first Test.
A battle of equals
While there have been debates of who has a better chance of winning the Ashes this time around, the truth is that both sides seem equally balanced on paper. Even though Ben Stokes is still not available for England, the side still has enough firepower in the line-up to surprise the Aussies.
The current holders of the Ashes, England, would look to retain the urn but it’s not going to be easy as the Baggy Greens will leave no stones unturned in trying to win it back. The last time England toured Australia, the hosts had decimated them 5-0 courtesy a fiery Mitchell Johnson. It’s difficult to predict the winner of this series but a mouth-watering contest awaits the cricket lovers.
